First Day of School Tomorrow

There is something bittersweet about the start of the school year. Eddie starts tomorrow; fortunately for me, I don't officially start until Sept. 27.

A lot of my friends love fall time. I don't particularly like it. I see fall as a time when we lose all the beautiful blue skies and sunshine. I also lose the freedom of time. Summer has this unscheduled, do-as-I-want feel to it. When fall starts, I have to abide by other people's schedules. My time is not my own.

On the other hand, I reminded myself that of all the jobs in the world, I do happen to have one of the most flexible in terms of time. I just need to teach as scheduled and attend necessary meetings. But other than that, my time is my own as long as I can prove that I have been productive with regard to research and serve on committees. So I really can't complain too much.

I can, however, complain about getting up at 6:45 am!

Torn Feelings about Fall

Yesterday was the first day of fall. When it first starts, I find myself dreading the cooler nights and days. Summer really is my favorite time of year, especially in the area where I live. It's rarely too hot and then when it does get hot, it tends to cool down at night. I like the free time that I associate with summer - a flexible schedule, the freedom to do what you want when you want. When school starts, it just gets so scheduled, both for me and my son. Fall also represents a prelude to winter to me, when it is chillier and there's not a lot of daylight.

But, today, my colleague mentioned that he enjoys this time of year and the reason was because of the energy that one feels on campus. The students are returning and they are bright-eyed and bushy-tailed (we're on a trimester system here, which means we start about a month later than colleagues on a semester system) and our colleagues are coming in to their office to get started on a new academic year. I had to admit that he was right and I certainly feel that anticipation of something new.

My own energy seems to be mirroring the energy of campus: I find myself looking forward to work, trying to finish up old projects and starting to work on new ones. I find myself being really silly with Eddie in the mornings, talking in funny voices and chuckling a lot. Volleyball starts next week and our whole team is happy to start up again. I'm sleeping a lot better than I did last winter/spring. I am feeling a bit like my own self. My office manager, Karen, told me today that I look good and energetic. One of Scott's friends said that I seemed lighter when I saw him a couple of weeks ago than I did when I first met him about 18 months ago. I am just so glad to get back to work and have energy to begin thinking about new projects and to be able to have fun with my son. Just a few months ago, I was saying no to new projects - or being cautious about my ability to carry them off - because I just wasn't sure of my energy. I'm so relieved to know that it's back. It's nice to feel positive and happy.

It feels good. I feel good. Bodes well, doesn't it?

Happy fall everyone!